We have a five-game slate on tap for Monday's NBA FanDuel DFS contests. If you read my Sunday article and followed my selections, you likely found yourself in the winner's circle as I did. I'll combine our world-class NBA projections and customizable NBA DFS optimizer to try and replicate our Sunday success. Let's get to it!
NBA Games Today
For the latest spreads and over-unders, visit RotoWire's NBA Odds page. There, you can also find player props, futures, picks articles and sportsbook bonus codes.
Tonight's projected totals all fall within the same range, although the MEM/LAC matchup lags behind slightly. Memphis was the only team that finished as a complete fade in my projections. We can certainly consider some additional options in the HOU/DEN matchup, and the Jazz may find themselves in a great spot against Dallas if certain injury tags hold up.
NBA Injury Report
For all the latest updates, visit RotoWire's NBA Injury News page and our comprehensive NBA Injury Report. Below are some of the most recent and relevant injuries for Monday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
DAL Anthony Davis (calf) - QUESTIONABLE
DAL Daniel Gafford (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
Davis' injury is new, so he's leaning toward an absence for Monday's game. With Gafford also out, we'll probably see more of Dwight Powell ($3,900) and Naji Marshall ($5,900).
LAC James Harden (calf) - QUESTIONABLE
There's no word on the severity of the injury, but Bogdan Bogdanovic ($4,200) would likely see more action if Harden is sidelined tonight.
Elite NBA DFS Picks
We have a trio of players with five-figure salaries in Monday's player pool, but with Anthony Davis questionable, we're reduced to Nikola Jokic ($12,800) and Cade Cunningham ($10,600). I'm not a fan of either matchup, and although the battle between Jokic and Alperen Sengun will be fun to watch, it's a spot where he may only meet value and not beat 5x. Cunningham's spot is a little better against the Celtics, but this is a slate where we can probably opt for less-expensive targets.
We have four players in the $9k range, and Scottie Barnes ($9,100) is my favorite spot at this level. The $8K tier offers five players, and I like the idea of Kawhi Leonard ($8,700) if Harden is out. I'll also take Bam Adebayo ($8,300) any day of the week.
Also consider: Amen Thompson, HOU ($8,100) @ DEN
Expected Chalk and NBA DFS Value Picks
Brandon Ingram, TOR ($7,600) @ MIA
Ingram and Barnes are stackable, but they are more of an either/or proposition. The Heat would be wise to line Ingram up with Norman Powell, as I have doubts about Tyler Herro's ability to defend him effectively. The Heat are projected as heavy favorites, but I think this game will be closer than the Vegas numbers indicate.
Jalen Duren, DET ($7,600) @ BOS
If we look at Duren's two games against the Celtics, there's a lot to like. He had double-doubles in both games and outrebounded Boston's interior options effectively. Detroit's other skill positions were less effective against Boston, but Duren's results were excellent.
Derrick White, BOS ($7,400) vs. DET
White posted a 22/7/9 line during his last tango with Detroit, which was one of his best results of the season. The Celtics will also have a significant home-court advantage at the Garden. Both factors blend to make White and his dual eligibility a relatively safe bet.
Jabari Smith, HOU ($5,900) @ DEN
This game will be a hotly contested matchup, and although I've faded some higher-priced producers in the game, Smith represents a good way to get involved. He's had an excellent two-game run, with 35 FDFPs against the Clippers and 41 FDFPs against Dallas.
Kyle Filipowski, UTA ($5,100) vs. DAL
Jusuf Nurkic will take a seat for rest on Monday, so there's a clear lane for Filipowski to start. If we combine his promotion with the current injury situation in Dallas, Monday could set up very well for the second-year pro. We also have dual eligibility at PF and C, which provides excellent flexibility.
Brandon Williams, DAL ($5,000) @ UTA
After impressing for a couple of weeks, Ryan Nembhard's production has sunk like a rock, and Williams has been effective mopping up the mess with the second unit. While I think the Mavs will continue to roll with Nembhard, Williams' minutes are definitely ramping up during Nembhard's recent struggles. His eligibility is limited to point guard, but he offers a good way to keep expenses down.
